Thailand... The Hardest Thing She Has Ever Done

This summary details an interview with Angela, a long-term volunteer and advisor at Mercy International in Khon Kaen, Thailand. The conversation explores her transition from a corporate career in Australia to a life dedicated to child advocacy, the operational philosophy of the organization, and the personal fulfillment she finds in her mission. **The Transition from Corporate Life to Service** Angela’s journey began far from the social sector. Originally a New Zealand citizen, she spent much of her professional life in Australia working in milk logistics and dairy distribution, following a background in international hospitality. Her first encounter with Thailand occurred in 2003 during a short-term mission trip with her church. At that time, she visited a small home in the city that cared specifically for children who were HIV positive. While she initially viewed the trip as a one-off experience before returning to her "normal" life in Sydney—envisioning a comfortable lifestyle with a "white picket fence"—the experience proved life-altering. After returning to the corporate world, she realized she lacked a sense of purpose. In 2013, at the age of 40, she made the definitive choice to return to Thailand. She describes this as a move away from the "daily grind" toward a life of greater meaning, eventually becoming a full-time volunteer advisor for Mercy International. **The Mission of Mercy International** Mercy International is an Australian-founded organization celebrating its 40th anniversary. It operates several homes across Thailand, including locations in Khon Kaen, Phetchabun, and Phrae. Angela serves as an advisor in the Khon Kaen home, which currently houses 37 children, while other locations care for over 50 children each. Angela is firm in her stance that these facilities should not be viewed as traditional "orphanages" but as homes. The organization’s primary goal is to break the cycle of poverty and social disadvantage. They provide a family-style environment where children are cared for in small units by consistent, round-the-clock carers rather than shift workers. This stability is intended to foster a genuine sense of belonging, as many children arrive as newborns with no existing family ties. **The Background and Future of the Children** The children come from diverse and often dire backgrounds. Common threads include abandonment, maternal death, drug-related issues, mental health struggles, and abuse. In some cases, children are abandoned specifically because they tested positive for HIV. Angela notes that from a Western perspective, these stories of neglect can be astounding, but they are a stark reality in the communities they serve. The organization does not actively seek out children; instead, families or communities reach out when situations become "life or death." Once a child enters the home, the focus shifts to long-term investment. This includes providing high-quality nutrition, a secure environment, and, notably, access to international schooling. Through scholarships and donor support, children are given the chance to study in English. Angela defends this choice against critics, arguing that these children are just as deserving of elite opportunities that will set them up for a successful, independent adult life. The success of this approach is evident in the organization’s alumni. Former residents have gone on to become accountants, nurses, and school teachers. Many choose to stay involved with Mercy International, giving back to the community that raised them. **The Role of Faith and Community** Angela identifies her Christian faith as the primary driver of her work. She admits that the pressure of overseeing dozens of children and managing staff is the hardest thing she has ever done, and she believes it would be physically and emotionally impossible to sustain without spiritual strength. While the home is run on Christian values and the children attend a Christian school, Angela acknowledges the predominance of Buddhist culture in Thailand. She notes that while they teach their faith, they respect the children's eventual right to choose their own path as they grow older. The local Thai community and the expat community in Khon Kaen are both supportive. Local residents often "make merit" by donating consumable goods like cooking oil, nappies, and cleaning supplies, which significantly reduces the home's operational costs. The expat community provides emotional support and has helped fund projects like a new swimming pool, which serves as both a recreational outlet and a therapy tool for children with special needs. **Personal Reflections and Long-term Commitment** As a single female expat, Angela describes her life in Khon Kaen as deeply content. She views her work not as a job, but as a lifestyle. While she maintains ties with family in Australia and New Zealand, she intends to grow old in Thailand and continue her mission as long as possible. She emphasizes that she does not feel she has sacrificed a personal life; rather, she has found a community that stands alongside her. For those looking to support the cause, Mercy International operates as a registered charity in Australia, with tax-deductible status in several countries. They offer a child sponsorship program where donors can meet the children they support, as well as general donation options through their website to cover the ongoing costs of providing high-level care and education.